Expansion project set to begin at overcrowded Oakland Gardens school
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A multi-million dollar expansion project for P.S. 46Q is scheduled to begin this week. Rendering via School Construction Authority
By Rachel Vick
A cramped Oakland Gardens elementary school will soon double in size, with construction on a new wing scheduled to begin this week.
The School Construction Authority will add a new 440-seat wing to PS 46Q, the Alley Pond School, create new classrooms for music and science and improve accessibility for students, staff and visitors of all ability and mobility levels.
“This project alleviates overcrowding at PS 46Q so that the school can continue to provide a premier educational experience to students,” said Councilmember Barry Grodenchik. “With additional space, the school will surely reach new heights of excellence.”
A new elevator will enable full accessibility for the entire school, and the addition of seven special education classrooms will help cater to students of all levels, Grodenchik said.
The school overhaul also includes a new guidance counselor’s office, nurse’s office and lunchroom.
The city expects to finish construction in time for the 2023-2024 school year.
Queens’ District 26 has consistently ranked among the most overcrowded school districts in the city. During the 2014-2015 school year, District 26 schools were at 121 percent capacity, according to a 2018 City Council report on overcrowding Two other Queens districts, 24 and 25, were each at or above 115 percent capacity, while Districts 28 and 30 were over 100 percent capacity that year, according to the report.
The Alley Pond school project is part of a plan to reduce overcrowding in District 26 by adding 2,500 seats over the next four years.
“By nearly doubling the enrollment of Alley Pond elementary school, this project will provide additional opportunities for students within our community,” said State Sen. Toby Stavisky. “It is imperative that we make sure our young students have access to a quality learning environment with up-to-date facilities, and this $50 million upgrade will help ensure that for years to come.”
